Hello, Bay Area Creator Economy!

Welcome to our first newsletter issue of 2025. We're thrilled to bring you the latest updates, trends, and events from the creator economy—not just in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, but across the broader creator economy landscape. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, or someone building for and supporting creators behind the scenes, this is your go-to destination for all things “creator”.

If you’re new here and received this newsletter from a friend, we invite you to subscribe to stay updated and get future editions delivered directly to your inbox. If you’ve received this newsletter, then you are either subscribed or someone forwarded it to you.

As we kick off the new year, we’re saddened to see our friends, family, colleagues, and members of this community impacted by the devastating multiple fires in Los Angeles that have left our neighboring community in crisis. For our main story, we talk about the outpouring of support from the Bay Area creator community that we have seen for those directly impacted by the wildfires.  

We’re also excited to bring you more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. One such highlight is the chance to attend the upcoming Silicon Valley Video Summit for free. If you’re interested, be sure to complete the survey linked below—if selected, we’d love to have you join us there.

It’s been a busy start to the year for some of our co-founders. While Jim and Rachel have been programming the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, Cassandra is joining them after wrapping up at CES, which France also just attended. 

While we're still finalizing plans, we’re excited to host our next community event soon. Stay tuned for exciting updates and opportunities to connect, engage, and mingle with creators and industry leaders in the near future. We have some fun things planned for this year!

Cheers,
Cassandra, Jim, France, Monica & Rachel
The Bay Area Creator Economy Co-Founders 

MAIN STORY

Bay Area Responds: Helping Southern California in the Wake of the Wildfires 

France Tantiado, Contributor

We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the LA wildfires, which have destroyed homes, displaced families, and upended lives. As our friends, neighbors, and colleagues face profound loss and uncertainty, we hold them in our thoughts and remain committed to offering our support in every way possible.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters and first responders who are risking their lives to protect others. Their unwavering commitment and courage during this crisis remind us of the power of community and resilience.

Additionally, we’re inspired by the ways our Bay Area community has stepped up to help. Here are some of the incredible efforts making a difference:

• Bay Area Creators: On Sunday, Bay Area creators Jessi Caparella (@jessiinsanfrancisco | @maisonjessi), a photographer and content creator, and Natalie Marshall, known as Corporate Natalie for her corporate lifestyle and work-from-home humor, organized a clothing and toiletries drive in Emeryville to support Southern California wildfire victims. Partnering with the nonprofit We Love L.A., they gathered enough donations to fill a 26-foot truck, aiding 65 families. The event showcased the power of social media and community in responding to those in need. (KRON)

  
  

  

  Jessi Caparella & Natalie Marshall’s clothing and toiletries drive on Sunday, January 12th, at Trader Vics, Emeryville.

• Bay Area Restaurants: Chefs and restaurant owners, such as chef Anthony Salguero of Popoca, are donating proceeds from specific menu items toward fire relief efforts, demonstrating the local culinary community’s commitment to supporting those affected.
  

• Bay Area Companies: Airbnb: Headquartered in San Francisco, Airbnb has offered housing to displaced victims, showcasing the platform’s role in providing shelter during emergencies. The Gap has donated apparel to those in need through the American Red Cross, ensuring that families affected by the fires have access to essential items Uber and Lyft have both stepped up by providing transportation support for evacuees, offering rides and discounts to those affected by the fires. Instacart is waiving the delivery fee on all grocery and daily essentials orders of $10 or more for customers in Los Angeles County.

If you’re looking for ways to support those affected, consider donating to trusted organizations making a real impact, including:

• American Red Cross: Shelter, food, and recovery aid for displaced families.

• California Fire Foundation: Emotional and financial support for firefighters and their families.

• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Providing vital equipment and resources for LAFD firefighters.

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Food and essential supplies for impacted families.

• Pasadena Humane: Caring for displaced animals and connecting them with foster homes.

• World Central Kitchen: Preparing meals for evacuees and emergency responders.

Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference. Visit the official websites and fundraisers started for these organizations to learn how you can help rebuild and bring hope to those in need.

If you can’t donate, consider the power of sharing a fundraiser – research shows that every time an organizer shares their fundraiser, it can help drive an additional $100 toward their goal on average.

And, of course, if you feel so inclined, you can use platforms, like GoFundMe, to start a fundraiser for yourself, someone you know, or on behalf of a nonprofit. 

With all the options available, there are so many ways to help – together, we can support Southern California and make a lasting impact in the wake of this tragedy.